Itinerary for: Golden West Adventure (8500T)

DAY 1: UK - Los Angeles.

Fly to Los Angeles where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for the next two nights. Or meet at the hotel if you have not purchased the flight inclusive option

DAY 2: Los Angeles.

Today is yours to explore the attractions of this famous city. Visit the cultural sights of Los Angeles such as Olvera Street, the heart of the original Spanish Mission or visit the Getty Centre with its magnificent art collection. Discover the glamour of Hollywood at the Hollywood Museum or spend some time at the luxurious shopping district of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

DAY 3: Los Angeles - Palm Springs - Scottsdale.

Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of the world's 'Capital of Glamour', including a drive through Hollywood. Later a stop in the desert oasis of Palm Springs, just 120 miles east of Los Angeles. Ever since Hollywood stars first came here in the 1930's laying claim to ranch-style estates and holding up in elite hotels, the clean dry air and sunshine have made Palm Springs irresistible. Ocotillo and cholla cacti dot the desert landscape as you cross the great Colorado River and continue into Arizona, where the unmistakable saguaro cacti stand sentinel. Late this afternoon we arrive in the mountain-ringed desert resort of Scottsdale.

DAY 4: Scottsdale - Sedona - Grand Canyon - Flagstaff.

Your first stop is Sedona, a thriving centre for New Age arts set in canyon country. Next, pass through the weather-sculptured rock formations of Oak Creek Canyon, the San Francisco mountains and beautiful pine forests to the Grand Canyon, where there is time to stroll the canyon rim. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience you may choose to take a helicopter 'flightseeing' excursion for incomparable views of flame-coloured walls plunging 6,000 feet into the Colorado River. Overnight stay in Flagstaff.

DAY 5: Flagstaff - Las Vegas. 

Leave the mountain town of Flagstaff on historic Route 66 and cross the old Mohave gold strike country, which still bears traces of century-old ghost towns set in natural desert beauty. By late afternoon reach Las Vegas, fantastic city of feverish gambling, neon lights, and glamorous shows. This evening, don't miss the Fremont Street experience, where a glass atrium enclosing five city blocks comes alive with dazzling sounds and lights - or enjoy an outing to a glittering Vegas stage show.

DAY 6-7: Las Vegas.

Las Vegas offers a variety of spectacular attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. You have two full days for swimming and sunbathing at the hotel pool or exploring the 'Strip', with its varied casinos and resorts, shopping plazas, and amusements. You may also wish to take an optional excursion, including river rafting through the Black Canyon on the Colorado River or a visit to Boulder City and the Hoover Dam.

DAY 8: Las Vegas - Fresno.

A day of striking natural contrasts as the journey continues across the desert landscape of Nevada, before crossing into California. Overnight in Fresno located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, often referred to as the great 'Garden of the Sun'.

DAY 9: Fresno - Yosemite National Park - Sonora.

Leave Fresno for Yosemite National Park, a wonderland of spectacular lakes, cascading waterfalls, lush forests, giant granite domes, pinnacles and mountains rising more than 4,000 feet above the valley floor. Afterwards, drive to Sonora, once a thriving centre in the gold-rush era and well-known for its collection of Victorian homes.

DAY 10: Sonora - Sacramento - San Francisco.

This morning we visit Sacramento, California's historic state capital, home to over 40 art galleries and dozens of museums. There's time to visit the historic Old Town, with the nation's largest collection of gold rush era buildings. You then continue west to the 'Golden Gate City' of San Francisco, famous for its hills and cable cars. Our included sightseeing tour takes in the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge and bustling Fisherman's Wharf.

DAY 11: San Francisco - Sonoma Valley - Sausalito - San Francisco.

This morning you cross the famous Golden Gate Bridge and visit Sonoma, a picturesque valley known for its wine grapes. A guided tour and wine tasting at one of the many wineries is included. Next, visit the pristine waterfront community of Sausalito before returning to San Francisco.

DAY 12: San Francisco.

Today, take a boat trip to Alcatraz Island, and discover the history of this notorious former prison. The rest of the day is yours to explore more of this vibrant city. Ride San Francisco's historic cable cars, or take a walking tour of one of the city's diverse neighbourhoods. Enjoy an Italian coffee at a sidewalk café in North Beach, shop for bargains in Union Square or see one of San Francisco's attractions, the Boudin Museum and Bakery, where you'll have the chance to see a bakery in action and learn the story of sourdough French bread.

Note The Alcatraz Prison Visit is a value of $26

DAY 13: San Francisco - Carmel - Monterey.

Today you travel south to picturesque Monterey, which was once Spain's Californian capital, and visit historic Fisherman's Wharf, where you may spot sea lions and otters. Next, take spectacular 17-Mile Drive and watch the ocean rolling in on the wide Pacific beaches en-route to Carmel, the popular West Coast retreat for artists and celebrities. This afternoon, return to Monterey and visit Cannery Row, made famous by John Steinbeck's novel of the same name. The rest of the day is free, so why not visit Monterey Bay Aquarium known for its interactive exhibits and teeming sea life.

DAY 14: Monterey - Solvang.

This morning, pick up the Old Spanish Mission Trail to Solvang, the Danish Capital of America, and the setting for the movie 'Sideways'. There's time to walk the flower-lined village streets and enjoy the quaint old world architecture. Windmills, thatched roofs and tasty bakery treats all add to the charming and unique experience of Solvang, nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley.

DAY 15: Solvang - Santa Barbara - Los Angeles.

It's a short drive this morning to coastal Santa Barbara, where sightseeing includes a photo stop at the historic Mission Santa Barbara and a visit to the pier on the bustling waterfront. Follow the Pacific coastline, past the fine sandy beaches of Malibu and Santa Monica, reaching Los Angeles in the late afternoon.

DAY 16: Los Angeles - UK.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK (if you purchased your flights from Cosmos)

DAY 17: Home landing in the UK.

Maximum elevation on this tour is 7,735 ft.

Accommodation on Tour

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Marriott Downtown; Scottsdale: Hospitality Suites Resort; Flagstaff: Aspen InnSuites; Las Vegas:Tropicana; Fresno: Ramada; Sonora: Inns of California; San Francisco: Hotel Triton; Monterey Days Inn; Solvang: Holiday Inn Express.